Much is expected of Austria in Group F as a result of their stellar qualifying campaign.
Marcel Koller’s side were near flawless on the road to France as they earned a UEFA European Championship slot – rather than being handed one as a host nation – for the first time in their history.
Dynamic on the break, full of goals and tight at the back, the Austrians are widely seen as the tournament’s dark horses.
A chronic lack of tournament know-how – and a chastening experience as 2008 co-hosts when they managed just a single goal and one point from three matches – could count against them, but it will be a surprise if they don’t fill one of the group’s top two spots.
Should they win it, they will take on the runners-up in Group E – probably either Belgium or Italy. Finish second and they’ll face the runners-up in Group B; one of England, Wales, Russia and Slovakia.
Austria kick off with a 5pm match against Hungary on Tuesday, June 14, before facing Portugal at 8pm on Saturday, June 18, and finishing up with a 5pm clash with Iceland on Wednesday, June 22.
THE ROAD TO QUALIFICATION
Only England bettered Austria’s qualifying record.
Unbeaten in ten matches, a 28-point haul was eight points more than second-placed Russia and consigned Sweden to the play-offs.
Austria caught the eye at both ends of the pitch, scoring 22 goals and shipping just five, and the six clean sheets accrued saw keeper Robert Almer set a national record for going 603 minutes without conceding.
Stand-out victories included two away wins: in Russia (1-0) and an eye-catching 4-1 humbling of Sweden.
Unlike Group F counterparts Portugal, who used 33 players in qualification, Koller made do with a squad of 20, seven of whom featured in all ten matches.
That consistency clearly served Austria well, but their warm-ups for France, with much the same line-up, have been considerably less impressive.
In five friendlies since securing a place in Euro 2016, Austria have lost three times – against Switzerland (1-2), Turkey (1-2) and Holland (0-2), with last week’s loss to the Dutch the first time they have failed to score in 25 matches.
Furthermore, Koller’s men only scraped past Albania and Malta by the odd goal in three and failed to keep a single clean sheet over those matches.
Most Appearances: Robert Almer, Aleksandar Dragovic, Christian Fuchs, Florian Klein, Martin Harnik, Zlatko Junuzovic, Marko Arnautovic (10); Julian Baumgartlinger, Marc Janko (9); David Alaba (8).
Most Goals: Marc Janko (7); David Alaba (4); Martin Harnik, Marko Arnautovic (3); Rubin Okotie, Zlatko Junuzovic (2); Marcel Sabitzer (1).
Most Assists: Martin Harnik (3), Marc Janko, Marko Arnautovic, Christian Fuchs (2)
THE KEY TARGETS
David Alaba was described as “God” by his former Bayern manager, Pep Guardiola.
A defender in Germany, he’s the midfield driving force for the Austrian national side, registering four goals (three via the spot) and one assist in eight qualifiers, as well as being ranked second for shots on goal. Alaba looks keenly priced at 7.0 in the UEFA game, although a couple of shockers in recent friendlies might explain the relatively modest 13% ownership stats at present.
A mere 4% have drafted in Marko Arnautovic to date. Priced at 7.0, he’s a player we know well following an outstanding season for Stoke that served up 11 goals and six assists. He featured in all ten qualifiers, scoring three goals and providing two assists, though the downside is that he is classified as a forward by Uefa, despite being stationed in the attacking midfield three slots.
The spearhead in Koller’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation is good old fashioned striker Marc Janko (7.5). The six-foot-five inch Basel target man has technical limitations but is a hugely effective goalscorer who notched seven goals in nine qualification matches, scoring from 36% of his goal attempts, in addition to supplying a pair of assists. Janko is currently in just 1% of UEFA squads, making him classic differential material during the group stages.
Austria’s defensive reputation might have taken a bit of a beating in recent weeks, but there are still some tempting talent worth a look.
Aleksandar Dragovic is a mainstay in Koller’s back four. Priced at 5.0, he looks a strong option who dominated in qualifying for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI). Christian Fuchs will thrive if he can carry his fine Fantasy form for Leicester into the tournament. Pricey at 6.0, Fuchs is currently the top-owned Austrian defender in UEFA, with 5% ownership stats. Given his crossing ability and the fact that he was top-ranked for Austria in qualifying for both tackles won and interceptions, he will be a key target for DraftKings managers.
THE LONG SHOTS
Florian Klein is another defensive option to be considered. Seemingly nailed-on at right-back, he’s priced at 5.0 in UEFA but fired in more attempts than Dragovic, is a consistent crosser and was second only to Fuchs for interceptions and tackles won in qualifying.
Zlatko Junozovic (6.5) is Austria’s creative hub and set-piece specialist. He struggled for form with Werder Bremen this season but will likely remain a key figure for his nation – indeed, Junuzovic was third for attempts on goal and shots in the box and top for key passes in qualifying. The team’s top supplier of crossed balls gives him strong appeal in the DraftKings game.
Martin Harnik (7.0) is an industrious attacking player deployed on the right flank. Three goals and as many assists in qualifying showcased his all-round skills and he remains a capable, if unspectacular, goalscorer who topped the Austrian charts for goal attempts.
Euro 16 Statistics Now Available
Our Members Area now contains full Opta data for all the 24 participating nations in Euro 16. It includes statistics covering the Qualifying Rounds and all the friendlies for the last 12-months – we will also be providing statistics throughout the tournament from June 10, updated minutes after the final whistle of each match.
This Euro 16 statistics are provided in addition to the regular Premier League season package. New memberships are now available for the pre-season price of just £12.50 and will expire on June 1 2017. Full details on the benefits of membership can be found here.
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Further Analysis
Group A Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland.
Group B England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales.
Group C Germany, Northern Ireland, Poland, Ukraine.
Group D Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey.
Group E Belgium, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Sweden.
